Malema EFF union

EFF leader, Julius Malema delivers a speech, 9/1/2022 – Image: EFF/ Twitter

Another EFF flip-flop? Malema inspects number of ‘foreign workers’ in SA restaurants

EFF leader Julius Malema doesn’t seem so keen on a ‘borderless Africa’ any more, and Juju’s restaurant inspections may prove contentious.

Malema EFF union

EFF leader, Julius Malema delivers a speech, 9/1/2022 – Image: EFF/ Twitter

The party that campaigned on the promise of a ‘borderless Africa’ last year are now catching heat – for allegedly changing their tune. EFF leader Julius Malema will inspect restaurants at the Mall of Africa on Wednesday, to determine just how many foreign workers are employed ahead of South Africans.

Malema, EFF to ‘inspect ratio of foreign workers’ in restaurants

The public move marks a very clear departure from the Red Berets’ casual attitude towards immigration. It’s not the first time the EFF – and Julius Malema in particular – have been accused of ‘flip-flopping’ on policies.

However, Juju and his party maintain that the course of inspections are merely a fact-finding mission, to establish current labour policies and ensure locals are employed ‘to a satisfactory level’.

“Julius Malema will conduct a visit to restaurants to check the employment ratio between South African citizens and foreign nationals. The visit will consist of interactions between Malema and the management staff, to check their labour policies, staff compliment, and ensure locals are employed to a satisfactory level.”

EFF statement

Is this a policy flip-flop from the EFF?

The EFF is aware of the optics on this one – hence why they are keen to stress that they’re not actually fighting AGAINST the employment of other Africans. The party has also insisted that these visits will be peaceful.

Malema ridiculed by opponents

However, not everyone is letting the EFF get away lightly with this shift in rhetoric. Herman Mashaba, a hardline opponent against illegal immigration, has accused Malema and his comrades of copying his stance:

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you… and then they copy you. Some politicians in this country!”

Herman Mashaba